Resurrection Sunday is behind us—but the mission of the risen Christ is still ahead! Most of us experienced larger-than-normal crowds, hearts were stirred, and seeds were planted. But now is not the time to coast—it’s time to capitalize. Here are eight vital steps to keep the Resurrection fire burning in your church and community:

1. Follow Up Immediately. 

When guests share their contact info, they’re opening a door—don’t let it close. A 24-hour follow-up window gives you an 85% chance they’ll return. Wait three days, and it drops to 60%. After 72 hours? Only 15% come back. The harvest is ripe—move quickly!

2. Love the Flock, Not Just the Crowd. 

Go through your Sunday School and small group rolls. Call every member—not with an agenda, but with affection. Ask how they’re doing. Pray over them. Remind them they’re seen, loved, and needed. Shepherds don’t just feed the sheep—they seek them out.

3. Don’t Retreat from the Community—Re-engage. 

Easter may have brought the community to you—but now you go to them. Walk the neighborhoods. Listen. Love. Serve practical needs. If you need help identifying the needs, we’d love to run a free demographic study for your area.

4. Keep Praying Kingdom Prayers. 

Now is the time to deepen—not diminish—your prayer efforts. Encourage “most wanted” prayer lists. Mobilize prayer walks or drives. Dedicate time in every gathering to pray for revival. Before God moves through us, He must move in us.

5. Develop an Evangelism Strategy. 

Evangelism isn’t an event—it’s a lifestyle. Equip your people with a simple strategy. Celebrate stories of gospel conversations. One church saw baptisms jump from 5 to 23 in a year—just by training in an evangelism strategy. Let us help you launch something sustainable.

6. Prepare for Guests to Return. 

When we pray for guests and invite them, we should also expect them. Designate the best parking for them. Refresh signage. Train greeters who don’t just say “hello” but make people feel at home. Little things speak loudly.

7. Make a First Impression that Lasts. 

Most guests decide within the first twelve minutes if they’ll return. That means their minds are made up before the first note is sung or the sermon is preached. Smiles matter. Clean spaces matter. Welcoming attitudes matter. You may be the reason they give God another chance.

8. Celebrate Victories. 

When someone comes to Christ, celebrate! When a guest returns, rejoice! Share testimonies in worship. These moments inspire your people to keep reaching out. What we celebrate, we replicate.

The tomb is empty. The Savior is risen. The mission is urgent. Let’s respond with purpose, passion, and perseverance.

This article was written by state missionary Rob Jackson.